A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.
Thales in Spain is a leader in technological solutions applied to Defence, Aeronautics, Security, Transportation and Space and, furthermore, is a global centre for excellence in Space, Security of Critical Infrastructures and Transportation. With a turnover of €320 million and a staff of 1,200, it exports approximately 40% of its total production principally to the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America.
Location: Madrid — Tres Cantos / Hybrid
Department: Human Resources – Labor Relations
Contract type: Internship
Duration: 1 year
Working hours: Full-time, as applicable
🧩 Role overview
Are you starting your career in Operational and Forecast Planning and eager to gain hands-on experience in planning, reporting and schedule analysis? Join the Young Talent Program at Thales Alenia Space!
We are looking for an OFP (Operational and Forecast Planning) trainee to support the planning team, contributing to key activities across the planning and forecasting lifecycle, from developing visual management and reporting templates to supporting forecasting coherence and schedule analysis.
You will join a dynamic, collaborative team using modern tools and methods. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in operational planning, multi-project forecasting and schedule management within an established international industrial environment.
🛠️ Key responsabilities
Forecasting & Capacity Planning
* Translate commercial forecasts and incoming orders into actionable workload and capacity plans for relevant teams (engineering, production, etc.).
* Contribute to strategic, long‑range forecasting and scenario analysis to support business decisions.
* Ensure consistency and alignment of forecasting processes across Thales sites in an international environment.
Project Monitoring & Delivery Assurance
* Work closely with project managers to track schedules, KPIs, and key milestones, identifying risks and deviations early.
* Analyse product life cycles, critical paths, and delivery timelines to anticipate and resolve potential issues.
* Coordinate and monitor corrective actions to improve project delivery performance.
Data Management & Reporting
* Consolidate and maintain databases and provide regular, clear reports and dashboards (using tools like Excel, Power BI, Primavera) to aid decision‑making and keep stakeholders informed.
* Design and improve templates and visual management tools for effective communication of scheduling and performance data.
Process Optimisation & Standardisation
* Identify and prioritise opportunities to optimise schedules, resource allocation, and overall delivery performance.
* Contribute to the standardisation of processes, including the creation and maintenance of templates, checklists, and best practice guidelines.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Act as a key point of contact among commercial, engineering, production, and other teams, consolidating input and ensuring effective coordination.
* Foster a collaborative, multicultural team environment, supporting open communication and shared decision‑making across departments and sites.
🧠 Candidate profie
* Education: Undergraduate or Master’s student in Engineering (Industrial, Industrial Organization, Aerospace) or related fields.
* Interest in operations and project tracking: motivated to engage across the full project lifecycle (proposals, planning, deadlines) and to maintain direct contact with project managers and stakeholders.
* Analytical and technical skills: strong interest in data analysis and the ability to produce concise diagnoses and actionable recommendations. Advanced Excel skills, willingness and ability to learn tools such as Power BI and Access
* Database and forecasting capability: able to work with databases and convert commercial forecasts into workload and operational plans.
* Versatile and creative mindset: comfortable “wearing many hats,” proposing pragmatic solutions and identifying optimisation opportunities across processes.
* Organised and rigorous: structured, detail‑oriented, decisive and able to prioritise in a fast‑moving environment.
* Strong interpersonal skills: comfortable communicating with people at all levels, proactively gathering information and coordinating progress across teams;
* Autonomy and proactivity
* Languages: English (B2-C1), French is a plus
* Experience: previous internships or project experience in planning, forecasting or production management is a plus but not required.
🎓 What we offer?
* Hands‑on participation in core operational forecasting and planning processes, with exposure to the full project lifecycle (offers, scheduling, delivery monitoring).
* Close mentorship and continuous learning within an experienced, cross‑functional team; on‑the‑job training in tools such as Excel, Power BI and Primavera.
* Real opportunity for professional growth and internal mobility across sites and departments.
* International and collaborative work environment, working with project managers and stakeholders across Thales.
* Support for formal studies: Master’s programme through UEMC and study allowance of €1,000/month.
* Flexible start times, company cafeteria, parking and other employee amenities.
* Competitive practical placement terms and a supportive culture that values initiative and teamwork.
We want to get to know you!